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April

Our nation is saddened, our nation is outraged, and our nation is committed to finding the Abu Sayyaf militants responsible.
But reports suggesting that the Canadian government was in contact with these militants, or was negotiating with them, is false. Canada will not negotiate or pay ransom to terrorists.
We are working closely with the Philippines government to begin an aggressive and extensive operation to find these cowards.
To the family of John Ridsdel, I offer my sincere condolences.

Pretty amazing view of the parade on Saturday. It was one of the smoothest run I have ever attended, even though the crowds were the largest in history. Congratulations to the Gurudwara Dashmesh Darbar Sahib executive and volunteer teams for a successful effort.

The Liberal government's plans for infrastructure have room for small and large projects. Flexibility, as well as assessing the projects based on need rather than size, will make this funding really count in Canadian communities from coast to coast to coast.

Happy Earth Day!
The Liberal government is taking real action on climate change, environmental stewardship and assessment, and long-term thinking on building a green economy.
I encourage everyone to try and do their part today by unplugging lights or devices that aren't being used, exploring recycling options available through your municipality, or taking the time to look at how you can reduce your carbon footprint.
We all must do our part for future generations.

To all of my Jewish friends and constituents, Happy Passover!
I want to wish everyone celebrating this special occasion over the coming week a happy, healthy and peaceful Passover with your families. Chag Sameach!

This is the value in educating youth at risk, and all young people in general. This young man is now making a positive impact in the local community, and using his experiences as a warning to others. Community intervention and prevention works, and is something that all levels of government need to invest more into.

More details on what our government is asking of Bombardier. The guiding principles of good quality jobs and better management accountability when it comes to public funds is a foundation the company needs to understand if it wants government investment.

I am travelling across Western Canada this week with the Standing Committee on International Trade to hold public hearings on the TPP. The public is encouraged to come to Richmond this morning to hear more about the proposed treaty and to offer their comments and concerns to the ongoing discussion.

Governments across the world are providing subsidies to this industry, and so the Canadian government has to look ways to support Bombardier in continuing to be a global leader in aerospace.
However, any company that asks for public money support and then fights against changes to oversight, accountability and governance, shouldn't be coming to the government in the first place.

Mandatory minimums from the Conservatives were always more about playing to their political base than being smart on tackling crime. The Supreme Court has found that it is a violation of the Charter, and does not target the right people.
We must focus on the real criminals - like drug traffickers, and those involved in violent crime - rather than putting people in jail for simple possession, which costs the taxpayer too much, and does nothing to make our communities safer.

I believe that having some kind of gang-related curriculum in our schools is a very good way to teach young people about the dangers before they get recruited. Some of these young men that have cleaned up their lives could play a big part in shaping this kind of teaching.

Happy Vaisakhi and Khalsa Day! Today we celebrate the beginning of the harvest festival of Vaisakhi and the 317th anniversary of the birth of the Khalsa and the Sikh faith. I wish all those celebrating a joyous, prosperous and healthy year ahead!

Finally!
I was first elected in 2006, and I have fought for many years for the Government of Canada to offer an official apology for the Komagata Maru tragedy in the House of Commons - but the Conservatives ignored the issue for their entire time in power.
Today, Prime Minister Trudeau announced he will officially right one of Canada's historical wrongs. I am very proud to be a Canadian and a Liberal today.

This is very good news, but obviously just a start.
The article points out that many of these young men had families that were turning a blind eye to their activities. We must ensure that our young people stay on the right track, and that starts at home. It is very important for all Surrey parents to take a proactive role in the lives of their children.

Deepak and I don't agree on policy, but he is the longest standing Conservative MP in the House and his voice is important for that party. This is a pretty strong statement on their upcoming leadership race.

I'm very upset. This is an epidemic, and clearly the 100 new RCMP officers that were requested by the City of Surrey and fulfilled this month are not slowing down this violence. It is time for a very honest and frank discussion with Public Safety Minister Ralph Goodale. Enough is enough, and we need to look at new ways for the federal government to intervene.

Huge news - the Liberal Party is about to become even more open. You will not have to pay for membership anymore to participate in shaping policy or attending party functions.
This is a new standard for political inclusion.

March

Dear NDP:
Justin Trudeau and the Liberal Party of Canada | Parti libéral du Canada took a stand on the Niqab long before the courts and Thomas Mulcair, and received a huge majority from voters.
It wasn't your policy...it was your leader

The terrible attack in Lahore yesterday has hit so many in Surrey Newton hard. We have many local Pakistani families that are very, very upset at this calculated attack on Christians on one of the most holy weekends of the year.
Extremism is not attached to any one religion, and it isn't directed at any one group in particular. These are individuals that are enemies of humanity as a whole - and we must stand together in unity against this hate.

Employment Insurance (EI) is there for Canadians who need it in times of employment difficulty or transition.
Last week's budget committed to reducing EI premiums for workers and employers, reducing the waiting period to one week from two, and speeding up claims processing. These are improvements that are long overdue.

I extend a message of good will to those celebrating the Easter holiday and praying on this Good Friday. On this day of reflection, I wish you and your families the spirit of renewal, optimism and new beginnings.

The Canada Child Benefit represents historical, generational change. It is a progressive, tax-free benefit that will move approximately 300,000 children above the poverty line.
Use this online calculator to see how your family will benefit.

There is a lot of amazing announcements in today's budget for the middle class and that are supportive towards long-term economic growth.
I am very happy about the $370 million announced for Metro Vancouver transit infrastructure (what is called an initial investment). This is good news for Surrey's proposed LRT project, which should be at the top of the list for the region.
Check out the details at: http://www.budget.gc.ca/2016/home-accueil-en.html